Grapefruit Seed Extract Uses

by
DR. HILLARY MARTIN Last Updated: Oct 30, 2015

Dr. Hillary Martin

Dr. Hillary Martin is a licensed, primary care naturopathic doctor in Los Angeles. Her goal is to provide informative wellness articles to prevent illness, discover imbalances within the body and rebuild the foundation to create health.

Overview

Grapefruit Seed Extract, or GSE, is a concentrated solution taken from grapefruit and combined with glycerin to make a powerful antimicrobial agent. GSE can destroy the cell membrane of invading organisms rendering it unable to function, replicate and survive in the body. It has antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic and antifungal properties. It even works on candida overgrowth. You can use GSE internally and externally in its diluted form and as a biodegradable, nontoxic cleaning agent.

Internal Use

GSE can be used internally to prevent and fight off colds and flus. A study associated with the National Institute of Health researched the effectiveness of GSE as an antibacterial agent. The results indicated that GSE has antimicrobial properties against a wide range of gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial organisms.

Never use it at full strength as it can irritate mucus membranes. Dilute GSE, take 5 to 10 drops in 8 oz. of water and use it as a gargle for sore throats or drink it to act systemically against invading organisms. It can be used in cases of diarrhea, earaches, as a nasal wash for sinusitis and allergies or as a vaginal douche for candida and bacterial urinary tract infections. Use three times a day or as directed. If your condition persists you should follow up with your doctor to rule out a more serious condition.

External Use

Use GSE externally to treat mild skin rashes, irritations and acne. Dilute a few drops of GSE in water and apply directly to irritated skin, wash off after a few minutes a repeat throughout the day. You can soak fingernails and toenails in a GSE dilution to act as an antifungal. For a face wash, put a few drops of GSE in the palm of your hands and apply to a damp face, washing in circular motions and rinsing completely. Add a few drops to your shampoo and massage into your scalp, leaving it in for two to five minutes. This may help relieve dry, itchy scalp or cradle cap. Avoid contact with your eyes.

Cleaning Agent

GSE in its diluted form can be used as an all-purpose household cleaner. Add 15 to 30 drops to a 32 oz. spray bottle and use on all surfaces. Kitchen utensils and refrigerator surfaces are great to clean with GSE. Scrub in 15 to 20 drops of GSE directly on your cutting board, leave it for a half hour and then rinse thoroughly and allow to dry. You can use it as a fruit and vegetable wash to rid the skins of potential pathogens and pesticides. GSE is a nontoxic way to clean your toothbrush by soaking it in a few drops of diluted GSE for up to 15 minutes. Bring GSE camping as a biodegradable way to clean dishes.

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